Leah Williamson hailed as a ‘great leader’ by Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall after she bought Beth Mead a karaoke machine

England captain Leah Williamson led the Lionesses to Euro 2022 glory — but Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall has hailed her leadership skills for a very different reason.

Both Williamson and her Arsenal and England teammate Beth Mead ruptured their ACLs in the last WSL season, and have since been out of action for club and country.

But as Mead made her long-awaited return to Arsenal action against Aston Villa last weekend, she told the Evening Standard about a special gift from Williamson which had helped her through the difficult time.

She said: “Leah bought a karaoke machine for my birthday.

“I think the day we got it, me and (Arsenal captain) Kim Little were singing a Backstreet Boys number."

And ahead of Arsenal's next match against Bristol City on Sunday, manager Eidevall was asked what he thought about the new addition to the Arsenal squad.

He remarked: «I've been seeing the karaoke machine carried round the training ground.

»I think it's found its place now — it tried to come into the medical room a couple of times and they have been playing some really strong defence in the medical team trying to get that out so it doesn't disturb the treatments.

«But we get to spread the joy in other rooms in the building. It's been good to see some good dynamics in the group.»

Arsenal had an unconvincing start to the new WSL campaign, losing their opener 1-0 to Liverpool in front of a record league crowd at the Emirates.

But after salvaging a 2-2 draw against Manchester United, they picked up their first win of the season as they came back to beat Aston Villa 2-1.

And it was Mead who came off the bench in the 88th minute to provide the assist for the winning goal to fellow Lioness and new Gunner Alessia Russo.

It was her first appearance